A longtime fire chief in West Hazleton will lead the department on an interim basis until council permanently fills the position, borough officials said. Council appointed Robert Ward as borough fire department chief after Shawn Evans resigned as chief of both the fire department and fire company, according to several borough officials. The appointment was approved at a special council meeting held Monday. Meanwhile, Mayor John Chura confirmed that an investigation is underway regarding the fire department but would only say it’s in the early stages.